New England cornerback Aqib Talib has left the game with a rib injury in the second quarter of Sunday's AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots said his return was questionable.

Talib was shaken up when he ran into Broncos receiver Wes Welker on a pass play over the middle. Talib stayed on the ground for several minutes before gingerly walking off the field. He was examined on the bench and headed to the locker room briefly before returning to the sideline.

Talib has been one of New England's top cornerbacks, holding Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas to a season-low 41 yards in a 34-31 overtime win on Nov. 24.